Cheryl Ann Lokken

Cheryl Ann (Rein) Lokken, 80, of Outing died peacefully after a long Minnesota goodbye with family on a warm spring day in Oronoco. Born June 30, 1945 in Oak Park Hospital near Chicago, Illinois. Completed her education in 1963 among the last graduating class at Alango School near her childhood home in Bear River, Minnesota.

Preceded in death by her husband Leonard; son Travis; her parents Howard and June (Haury) Rein; siblings Merideth, Becky, and Howard "Butch"; her in-laws Arne and Ellen (Stahl) Lokken; and brothers-in-law John Krier, Richard "Dick" Lange, and Dennis Moberg. Survived by her daughters Leanne (Danny Seopa, the cook) Lokken, Carrie (Steve) Sura, and Jessica (Chip) LeMont; sister Christine (Rein) Moberg; sister-in-law Vicki Rein; six grandchildren: Corey, Casey, Sadie, Marie, Ella, and Charley; two great-grandchildren with another on the way; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. 

Cheryl was a spirited woman of humor and playful mischief. She was most at home in a group, especially gathered around a table for a meal or a card game played by her house rules. When she wanted your attention she had a way of saying your name short, clear, and carrying, while her laugh was something else, often a chuckle, quiet and warm. 

Her faith took root early. When her sister Becky was baptized, four-year-old Cheryl and cousin Judy were found afterward at Auntie Tootie's, baptizing the chickens. It was only the beginning. She went on to serve as treasurer and secretary in her church; she and Leonard helped build congregations in St. Cloud and Outing. In all matters of faith, Cheryl brought the same earnest enthusiasm as she'd brought to those chickens in Bear River. 

Cheryl worked hard with a sharp wit, even if it occasionally got the better of her. Once, she and her sister Merideth borrowed the family car, supposedly for a trip to the Alango School. Beforehand, their father Howard sent Butch to get the odometer reading. Cheryl and Merideth implored their brother to subtract miles from his reading, unwittingly putting 100 miles on the car before they even left the driveway. She racked up miles in her work too, specializing in extroverted roles like daycare provider, secretary, real estate, and school paraprofessional for kids with special needs. She did the same for her children, showing up at practically every event, competition, and gathering. 

She raised her family and worked in St. Cloud for many years. In 2003, the cabin she and Leonard had since 1977 in Outing became home after retiring. Family congregated here often and that was when she was happiest, surrounded by her loved ones. She taught kids to water ski and swim, hosted her grandkids for Vacation Bible School every summer, tended her impatiens, and kept an eye on the birds, fox, bears, and deer. When she wasn't at the lake, she was visiting or traveling with family: cruising Alaska, Glacier National Park, California, Florida, Arizona, Mexico, Hawaii, heritage trips to Norway and Germany, weddings in Jamaica and the Dominican, and a memorable trip to Greece with all the Lokken girls. 

Cheryl had a gift for the long goodbye. Visits ended at the front door, then the driveway, then the car window, and finally two beeps from the horn as she drove off, even on that last warm spring day. Now she's finished her final journey and is whisked away to dance with Leonard once again. 

After being truly surprised by her family with an 80th birthday party last summer, Cheryl felt that her farewell was beautifully completed on her own terms during that event and thus it was her "living celebration". It was a day filled with laughter, stories, and connections she cherished most, allowing her to share one final, joyful milestone with those she loved. In keeping with her wishes and the spirit of that perfect day, no further funeral services will be held. Cheryl's family encourages you to hold tight to the memories made during that celebration, as those were the moments she wanted to be her final long Minnesota goodbye. 

Memorials preferred to the churches that were the bookends of her life: Bear River Lutheran (Cook, MN) and Our Saviour's Lutheran (Outing, MN).